The choirmaster from London is no stranger to strong words about less than stellar performances on the BBC show, but it is rare that a contestant fires back.

After the 41-year-old aired his concerns about group Vocal iSing’s tendency to over-do their singing to the point of shouting, and that he was worried they didn’t have other levels, one singer didn’t take the notes well.

“Of course we have! That was a rock song, we’ve got to rock out,” she snapped.

Seemingly taken-aback by the response, Gareth responded sarcastically: “No one knows that better than me!”

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Pitch Battle: Gareth Malone hit back at a singer after she didn't like his comments

BBC

Pitch Battle: Gareth Malone joked back to the singer on this week's episode

BBC

Pitch Battle: The Vocal I-Sing singer told the choirmaster that they'd been rocking out

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No one knows that better than me!

Gareth Malone

The panel – which also included Kelis and superstar guest judge Seal – struggled with their decision-making this week, putting the final battle’s two choirs Portsmouth University Gospel Choir and Perfect Sixth through an uncomfortably long wait to find out who had won.

The trio continued to mutter and debate as the backing music dropped down, and the choirs awkwardly shuffled and glanced around before Seal eventually stepped into action to put the loser (Perfect Sixth) out of their misery.

The series featured a new iconic moment this week however, when all three judges gave a standing ovation amid a roar of cheering for the impressive Portsmouth group’s showstopper.

This week's episode also saw presenter Mel Giedroyc cause an embarrassing scene when she collapsed to the floor on-stage in front of Seal.

Pitch Battle: Who are the judges? Tue, June 20, 2017

Pitch Battle: Meet the judges in the new BBC music competition.

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Pitch Battle: Who are the judges?

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Pitch Battle: The judges struggled with their decisions on tonight's episode

After revealing she’d always hoped his classic song Kiss from a Rose was about her, the singer unceremoniously answered that Mel was “wrong”, before changing his mind when she seemed upset.